A Simple Mistake Read online

  ‘I never got any letters.’

  ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘Of course I’m sure!’ She looked as stunned as he felt.

  He got up, running his hand through his hair. ‘I’ll bet you anything Roger got to them first and never gave them to you. I always thought he might do something like that.’

  ‘Nick, he didn’t.’ Lainey was pale. ‘I asked him. I thought the same thing. He promised me that none had come to our letterbox and he wouldn’t lie.’

  No, given his profession, hopefully not. ‘But how could that happen? Six months’ worth of letters can’t just vanish!’ He sat down again. ‘This is crazy.’

  ‘Where did you send them?’

  ‘To the address you gave me, number three-six-eight Bradford Rd. I still remember it; I would’ve written it on about twenty enve—’ He broke off at her stricken look. ‘What?’

  ‘That wasn’t it.’ Her voice was tiny. ‘We were three-zero-eight. You must have misread the numbers. I remember writing them in a hurry.’

  ‘Are you serious?’ It was such a simple mistake. ‘I don’t believe it. For years, I thought you didn’t write back because you were mad at me for sleeping with you, for leaving you, for goodness knows what else. I tried tracking down your phone number but I could never get it. And it’s because I didn’t read your handwriting properly? This is insane.’

  ‘And I thought you hadn’t written because you were too busy being famous.’ Lainey hugged her knees to her chest, her voice catching. ‘When I didn’t hear from you I thought you’d found someone prettier, which was what I was afraid of all along, and you didn’t want me anymore.’ Lainey jumped up and headed for the verandah, stumbling in her haste.

  Nick didn’t know if he should go after her or not. She was leaning on the rail, her back to him. Was she crying? He needed to know.

  He went out and touched her arm. ‘Lainey?’

  She turned, her eyes brimming, then buried her head in his shoulder and wept.

  Nick held her tight, his cheek against her hair. He couldn’t believe what had happened. He was still coming to grips with seeing her again; now there was this.

  She’d been tucked away inside his heart all this time. It felt like his soul had been holding its breath, waiting to see her again. The enormity of it all knocked him sideways.

  They stood there until Lainey’s tears slowed to a few sniffles. ‘I need a tissue.’

  ‘Yes, you do. I don’t think my t-shirt can hold any more water.’ It made her smile a little bit.

  They went inside and sat down. Nick stroked her back while she mopped herself up, shocked at the strength of his feelings. More than anything, he wanted to kiss her better, but he didn’t dare.

  She turned to face him. ‘It changes everything, doesn’t it?’

  ‘Yeah, it does.’ The implications were huge.

  ‘There’s something else I need to tell you.’ Lainey was still pale, but composed.

  ‘Fire away.’

  She hesitated then smiled. ‘I’m starving.’

  He laughed. He’d thought there might be a confession lurking, but apparently not. ‘Feel like going for a short walk to the best pizza place in town? We can take it down to the beach if you like.’

  ‘That’d be great. Just give me a minute.’

  Lainey headed off to the bathroom, leaving Nick deep in thought. What a difference twenty-four hours could make. This time yesterday he’d been fulfilling the relatively easy role of being best man at a mate’s wedding. Today, his life had been turned upside down.

  Chapter Four

  Lainey examined herself in the mirror, grateful for waterproof mascara. She only ever wore a minimum amount of make-up and what she’d had on had disappeared. All over Nick’s chest. His lovely, broad, comforting chest.

  He’d been so nice, holding her as she’d cried. He hadn’t seemed to have minded, in fact he’d appeared to be as upset as she was, minus the waterworks.

  Coming to terms with what had happened to the letters would take some time. The best part was knowing Nick hadn’t dumped her after all. She’d come very close to telling him her secret but had chickened out at the last minute. She just couldn’t do it yet. Anyway, she was hungry.

  It was only a ten minute walk down to the cafés and shops overlooking the beach and the park. The uncomfortable heat had gone and lots of people were about. It was the perfect time for a stroll on the beach.

  Angelo’s Pizza and Pasta was only small, but busy. Nick was greeted by a smallish, white-haired man with a big smile, expertly wielding pizza dough.

  ‘Hey! Mr Nick. How are you?’

  ‘I’m good, Angelo, and you?’

  Lainey noticed people give Nick a second glance and whisper to their friends.

  ‘Marco! Mr Nick’s special please.’ A man Lainey took to be one of Angelo’s sons appeared with a pizza box and a plastic bag with two cans of drink in it. ‘Here you go, for you and the beautiful lady.’ Lainey was flashed a grin which she managed to return.

  ‘Thanks, Marco, Angelo. See you around.’ Nick gave them a salute and they made their way outside.

  ‘I rang and ordered while you were in the bathroom,’ he explained when she remarked on the speedy service. ‘I took my chances on what kind of pizza you like.’

  ‘No anchovies?’

  ‘No anchovies. I remembered.’ The warmth of his smile made her catch her breath.

  They followed the sloping path to the park and found a vacant table under one of the shelters facing the beach.

  ‘So,’ said Lainey, as she helped herself to the pizza, ‘is that what usually happens now? You get recognised straightaway like you did in the shop?’

  ‘Pretty much.’

  ‘Does it bother you?’

  ‘Hardly ever. People are mostly good but there are some annoying ones.’

  ‘Do you have trouble with the paparazzi?’

  ‘I’m not exactly Hugh Jackman or Nicole Kidman, Lainey, but they’re around.’

  ‘I’m glad you’re not Nicole, but I could handle Hugh.’

  ‘I’m sure you could.’

  Lainey grinned and took a swig from her can. ‘So would there be any photographers around this evening?’

  ‘Probably not but you never know. Would it worry you if you were photographed with me and it ended up in a magazine?’

  ‘That depends.’

  ‘Depends on what?’

  She ran her finger around the rim of the can. ‘What are we doing, Nick?’

  ‘I presume we’re not talking about eating pizza on the beach.’

  ‘No.’ She looked up and held his gaze and her heart skipped a beat.

  ‘Shall we go for a walk?’

  ‘Yes, please.’ She gathered up their rubbish and put it in the nearest bin, glad for something to do. ‘The ocean looks beautiful at this time of night, doesn’t it?’

  ‘It does, but before we go and enjoy it, there’s an important rule you need to know and I know how much you teachers like to abide by the rules.’

  Lainey paused at the short flight of steps to the beach. ‘And what might that be?’

  ‘It’s not written anywhere but it states that women who have had an emotional afternoon are not safe on a beach at sunset without holding onto the hand of a man.’

  ‘Oh, I see,’ she said, ‘any particular man?’

  ‘Yes. They have to be taller than the woman concerned.’

  ‘It’s just as well I’m here with you then, isn’t it?’

  ‘Absolutely, or else you could be in danger.’

  ‘You’re such a goose, Nick.’ Lainey slipped her hand in his, her stomach experiencing zingy things at the contact. She nudged him with her shoulder as they began walking. ‘You only had to ask.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Really
. Mind you, there’ll be no kissing.’

  He feigned horror. ‘I should hope not! This is only our first date.’

  ‘Is it our first date?’

  ‘If you want it to be. What do you think?’

  Red neon lights began to flash in a steady rhythm. ‘No missionary dating!’

  Years ago, all the youth had been made aware of the possible consequences of having a romantic relationship with a non-believer, presuming they could be won to Christ. She blinked away the lights. Anyway, Nick still believed in God. ‘I think I want to get to know you again before we decide anything like that.’

  ‘Isn’t that what dating is? Getting to know someone? And I haven’t changed much, Lainey. I’m still the same old Nick under all the other stuff.’

  ‘With chest hair. You didn’t used to have chest hair.’

  He laughed loudly enough for another couple near them to stare and then do a double take when they recognised Nick. Get used to it, girl.

  She went fishing. ‘Do you want to get to know me all over again?’

  ‘Now who’s being the goose? Of course I do.’ He stopped and lifted her hand to his lips. ‘More than anything.’

  ‘I said no kissing.’ Lainey pulled away, pretending to scold, covering up the fact she had electrical currents whizzing up her arm. But when Nick grinned and recaptured her hand, she didn’t resist.

  As they strolled along the beach, Lainey told him about her year out at Marshalls Creek, explaining her depression over their break up but stopping short of the whole truth. It was too soon.

  She found out Nick still had a bit to do with their Gold Coast friends. He had bought a home there on the hill, overlooking their favourite beach. Nick explained how Hannah lived on the entry level and he had the lower two storeys for himself. Again, he had the perfect arrangement of a housekeeper, this time his mother. He tried to get up there as often as he could.

  She heard all about her old friend Sharon and her husband Dave, who owned Irvine’s Café on the beach. Sharon had two children and was expecting her third in a few months. Lainey had a sudden yearning to see them all.

  ‘I’d love to go back there some day. Do they still all go to the Church in the Valley?’ she asked.

  ‘I guess. I don’t go myself, but I keep tabs on them all through Sharon. I visit the café a fair bit.’ Nick grinned. ‘Remember Nina, Sharon’s mother? She still likes to have a chat. If you like, I’ll explain to Mum about the letters and how upsetting that was and she can let Nina know and that’ll be that. Within a week everyone will know why you found it too hard to make contact. Maybe we could go up there together one weekend. You could stay upstairs with Mum. I know she’d love to have you.’

  ‘Don’t rush me, Nick.’

  He stopped and looked at her, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. ‘Lainey, if I like you and you like me, what’s the problem?’

  ‘I just need to take this slowly.’

  He shrugged. ‘Okay. I’ll be patient. Can I see you tomorrow?’

  ‘Nick.’ She had to laugh, flattered.

  ‘I’ll have left you alone all day. What’s wrong with the night?’

  She melted, but not completely. ‘Tomorrow’s my first day back and I’ll have too much to do. Tuesday is homegroup and Wednesday I’m playing squash. How about Thursday?’

  His face fell. ‘Nope. I’ve got a charity dinner.’

  ‘Friday then. Is that okay? Oh!’ Lainey smacked her forehead with her hand. ‘I forgot. It’s Sarah’s birthday that night.’

  ‘Sarah, as in ‘The Brat’ Sarah?’

  Lainey laughed. ‘Yup. She’s going to be twenty. Makes us old, doesn’t it? We get along really well now and she lives in one of the flats next door to me. We’re having a barbeque in the backyard. Would you want to come to something like that?’

  ‘If you don’t mind letting your friends know about me.’

  She’d confessed to not telling anyone she knew him. Now they’d solved the letter mystery, he understood why she’d kept quiet.

  ‘They’ll have to know sometime, won’t they?’ That should give him some encouragement. Going by his smile, it did.

  The drive home was far too short. She was tempted to ask him in but didn’t. ‘Thanks for today. All of it.’

  ‘My pleasure.’ Nick took her hand and kissed it again, his eyes challenging her to say something but she didn’t bother. She was enjoying it. Far too much.

  He let go. ‘See you Friday, then.’

  It seemed a long way away, but she’d asked for it. Lainey watched the tail lights disappear as he roared up the street. Nick was back in her life.

  * * *

  It seemed like Friday would never come, but when it finally rolled around it was worth waiting for. A big bunch of red roses arrived at work but it was the little card that came with them that made Lainey blush and her heart flutter.

  Glad it’s Friday at last. See you at six. Love, Nick.

  The card went straight into her treasure box.

  That evening when he arrived, Lainey thanked Nick for the flowers but didn’t hug him, even though she wanted to.

  Nick fitted in well with the crew. Kate, Lainey’s other flatmate, was gobsmacked at first, but Nick soon had her engaged in conversation as they carted stuff outside in preparation for the barbecue. Most guests had the same reaction as Kate, but Nick was good at making small talk, putting people at ease. Even so, Lainey kept checking on him, telling herself she was just being a good host. Whenever she caught his eye and he smiled, her stomach flipped. His message was clear – he was here to be with her.

  Sarah arrived late as usual, even for her own party. ‘Sorry I’m late; I got held up at work.’

  ‘Happy birthday.’ Lainey hugged her. Over Sarah’s head she saw Nick excuse himself from a conversation and head towards them. ‘I’ve brought a guest with me. Recognise him?’

  Sarah’s eyes bugged and she launched herself at him. ‘Nick! What are you doing here?’

  He laughed as he caught her then held her away. ‘Happy birthday, Brat. Look at you. I can’t believe you’re twenty.’

  ‘And I can’t believe you’re here!’ Sarah shot her step-sister a puzzled look as she buried her nose in the giant bunch of flowers Nick had given her, and then hugged him again. ‘Thank you, they’re beautiful. Now, come with me.’ She dragged him away to show off to all her friends.

  Lainey had told her months ago about the possibility of meeting up with Nick when she played at the wedding and repeated her old request to keep quiet about their former relationship. Sarah had done so out of respect, not understanding why she wanted it that way and Lainey wasn’t going to explain. Sarah had been only nine when everything fell apart, oblivious to the drama that had unfolded.

  Nick helped clean up after the barbecue, making a good impression on Kate’s boyfriend, Brian, who was also Lara’s brother, and Adam. Lainey was surprised when she heard Adam organise a game of tennis with Nick and sent up a prayer of thanks. Adam was the perfect guy for Nick to get to know. He was sporty, funny and a strong Christ-follower.

  When he left, Nick thanked her for a great night, kissed her on the cheek and told her he was coming to the beach with them in the morning. Lainey was pleased but uneasy. Her life had gone from famine to feast as far as Nick was concerned. It was exciting, but unsettling.

  That night, she and Lara spent a lot of time talking. It was obvious Nick wanted to renew their friendship, and, as Lara pointed out, not just a platonic one. Was she happy about it? And what about the difference in their spiritual lives? The Bible clearly said not to be ‘unequally yoked’.

  Lainey was happy, although apprehensive about the publicity and what people thought. But there was something else.

  She was terrified of telling Nick about Liam; their baby she’d given up for adoption.

  Chapter Five<
br />
  It was hot, unbearably so, if there wasn’t an ocean or a pool nearby to fall into. Today, Lainey had Bondi. Along with about five thousand others.

  And Nick. Sarah had insisted they pick him up. She wanted to see where he lived and had been disappointed when he’d been waiting at the top of his driveway.

  Lainey tried in vain not to think about the magnificent body only about ten centimetres from hers. Tanned and muscular, Nick had been noticed by every woman within a fifty metre radius. No one had recognised him, she didn’t think. With sunglasses and a cap like everyone else he was fairly anonymous. If anyone wanted to find him amongst this lot it would be like playing ‘Where’s Wally?’

  When Nick had asked her to put sunscreen on his back, she was embarrassed. If it had been Adam or Brian she would’ve done it without thinking. With Nick it was different. The feel of him under her fingers was disturbing. And even more so when he returned the favour. Despite the heat, she shivered.

  Lord, what’s going on here? Is this okay? Is it alright to feel like this?

  At least Nick’s back wasn’t hairy, not like some of the fine specimens within spitting distance. They had more hair on their bodies than on their heads.

  ‘What are you laughing about under there, miss?’ Nick lifted her hat away from her face.

  ‘Nothing. Go away, it’s too bright.’ She swatted at his hand.

  He replaced the hat. ‘I’ve got a question for you.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Why don’t you wear a bikini anymore?’

  Oh dear. This was not the time or the place to enlighten him about pregnancy stretch marks. ‘Because I like wearing a swimsuit.’

  Nick sighed. ‘Lainey, have you developed body image issues or something in the last ten years? You always used to wear a bikini, and very nicely too. You still could.’ There was undisguised admiration in his voice.

  She was glad of the hat hiding her blush. And she’d had time to think. ‘You’re being very nosy but I’ll tell you.’

  ‘Good. Out with it then.’

  ‘A few years ago I went through a stupid phase and I got a tattoo.’